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U.S. Air Force to Upgrade to CCS Block 10.2

On the ground, operations make use of the system to deny an adversary access to satellite-based transmissions temporarily. The U.S. Air Force has made several upgrades to the CCS in terms of frequency bands and other technology refreshes over the years.

FREMONT, CA: The U.S. military is set to deploy an upgraded version of ground-based communications jammer used to block adversaries' satellite transmissions. The Counter Communications System (CCS) was initially introduced in 2004. The updated version named CCS Block 10.2, has completed tests and will be ready for initial operations sometime in 2020, as confirmed by the Space and Missile Systems Center. The CCS is operated by the U.S. Space Force 21st Space Wing’s 4th Space Control Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

On the ground, operations make use of the system to deny an adversary access to satellite-based transmissions temporarily. The U.S. Air Force has made several upgrades to the CCS in terms of frequency bands and other technology refreshes over the years. The latest update houses more advanced software that has been in development for five years. L3Harris received a contract in 2014 for CCS Block 10.2. “CCS is the only offensive system in the United States Space Force arsenal,” said Lt. Col. Steve Brogan, combat systems branch materiel leader at the Spaceand Missile Systems Center.

The first three Counter Communications System Block 10.0 units were deployed by the U.S. Air Force in 2004, in response to the electronic warfare systems that other countries were fielding to disrupt American satellites. The effects of the CCS are irreversible. These jammers are used as non-destructive electronic weapons to deny an adversary communications capability. In 2014, the Block 10.1, also developed by L3Harris, was introduced. This version consisted of seven systems. CCS Block 10.2 initial operational capability is expected shortly, and it will be composed of 16 systems. "Significant capabilities have been fielded with each increment. The Block 10.2 will be updated as needed, to adapt to adversaries’ continually evolving use of satellite ioncommunicats," said the SMC in a statement.

As per the terms and conditions of the latest contract for CCS Block 10.2 awarded in 2014, L3Harris will deliver systems in 2020 to Air National Guard units in California, Colorado, Florida, and Hawaii, as well as the 4th Space Control Squadron.